Friday, April 25, 2014

being a spiritual father to fatherless sons

Real men cry. Sometimes there's no way around it. There's no other manly way to respond to loss, grief and pain. But after the tears, life goes on. Pastor Dave Bruskas, experienced a loss that require tears, and has shared his heart with us in Dear Son: A Father's Advice on Being a Man.(Tyndale House, 2104)
            Two decades ago Bruskas lost a son, an infant son who had just turned 2 months old. This son is still very much a part of his heart and his life, and the letters he writes to David, show that love. But this is so much more than a quick note on a birthday, they are poignant reminders that this child is still very much a part of the family. The letters are filled with detail about sisters, parents, grandparents, and important life events that David couldn't be there for.
            The letters are much more than personal notes to his young son. Bruskas didn't harden his heart because of his loss, and he became a spiritual father to several young men in the churches where he served as Pastor.
            This book is a dad teaching his son how to be a man, how to grow into the man that grows in wisdom and stature and favor with God and man (Luke 2:52).  Bruskas didn’t have the opportunity to teach these things to his own son, but over the years he became like Paul  to young men like Timothy: a spiritual father to a young man who needed someone to be there for him, to set an example and to teach him how to be a godly man.
            And in a society which seems to encourage young males to 'strut their stuff' but forgets that they are supposed to grow up and become men rather than just adult males, there is a tremendous need for godly men to step up and 'father' young men.
            Bruskas offers advice to his son for each stage of a man's life- how to be a Christian; how to be a son, brother, young man, husband and father; how to be a vessel that pours  out God's love; and even how to be a mortal, and die as a godly man.
            I liked this book  - a lot. The letters to infant David are touching (yes I cried) and the wisdom provided to young males on their way to manhood is stuff that needs to be taught. (and for those who already know it, it's a good reminder.
            Men can make an impact in the lives of 'fatherless sons'. Bruskas teaches us how!
            I received a copy of the book in exchange for a review. I was not required to write a positive review.

5/5